Special Economic Zone Essay Example for Free

Special Economic Zone Essay â€Å"A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a geographical region that has economic and other laws that are more free-market-oriented than a countrys typical or national laws.Nationwide laws may be suspended inside a special economic zone. The category SEZ covers, including free trade zones (FTZ), export processing Zones (EPZ), free Zones (FZ), industrial parks or industrial estates (IE), free ports, free economic zones, urban enterprise zones and others. Usually the goal is to increase foreign direct investment, development of infrastructure and to increase employment. † – Wikipedia On September 10, 2012, at an impressive ceremony at the Presidency, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari gave his consent to the Special Economic Zone Bill 2012. The journey from conception to signing took four long years but it was worth the wait. It all began when Pakistan Japan Business Forum, a bilateral Forum that I helped establish, floated the idea of a dedicated SEZ for the Japanese investors. The ball got rolling when Salim Mandviwalla, the energetic Chairman of Board of Investment embraced this idea and motivated his team to prepare an attractive SEZ package. It was approved in 2008 by the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet while the Federal Cabinet accorded approval in principle for initiation of legislation in 2010. The Council of Common Interests also discussed this bill due to introduction of 18th Amendment. CCI approved the bill in August 2011. The Senate accorded approval in January 2012 and National Assembly on July 13, 2012. The Act would allow Developers and Zone Enterprises to plan and operate in an enabling environment that would include security, safety, availability of physical and social infrastructure, and access to all incentives, facilities, and rules of business. The central aspect of the Act is the formation of a high-powered Board of Approval with the Prime Minister as the Chairman. This, in itself, manifests total commitment towards development and success of SEZs. The salient features of the Act include the approval of Zones not less than fifty acres. Upto 30% of the Zone could be used for social infrastructure. This would be attractive for those investing and working in any particular Zone. The government would ensure the provision of public utilities and transportation links upto the zero point of the Zone. Furthermore, the government would promote the adoption of simplified administrative procedures for SEZs with relevant Federal and Provincial authorities and agencies. Such facilitative procedures include issuance of licenses, permits and approvals, satisfactory customs and other documentary requirements, easy fulfillment of tax or duties obligations, and support and authorization of modern means of communication and e-governance. The country’s labor laws would be equally applicable to the Zone Enterprises too. Moreover, the Board of Approval may, after consultations with concerned Ministries and governmental agencies, issue special rules for employment of non-Pakistanis in key managerial and technical positions. These relate to issuance of visas, temporary residence permits, as well as temporary work permits. Their dependents would be facilitated though these special rules. Each Zone shall be designated either as a Free Trade Zone, Export Processing Zone, Multilateral Economic Zone, Regional Development Zone, Reconstruction Opportunity Zone, Hybrid Export Processing Zone, Sector Development Zone, or Extra-Territorial Zone depending on specified characteristics. An ETZ would be out of the ambit of the customs territory of Pakistan so that transportation of goods and provision of services from and to these areas and to and from the customs territory of Pakistan shall be considered as export and import. They would get the same treatment for rebates and other advantages. All incentives under this Act shall be in addition to all incentives, benefits and protections that may be applicable to Developers and/or Zone Enterprises under generally applicable legislation and international agreements of Pakistan. These benefits shall not be withdrawn prematurely and any changes shall be to the advantage of the Developer or the Zone Enterprise. Developers shall be entitled to the following benefits: (a) One time exemption from all customs duties and taxes for all Capital Goods imported into Pakistan for the development, operation and maintenance of a SEZ entity, subject to verification and approval from Board of Investment. (b) Exemption from all taxes on income accruable in relation to the development and operation of the SEZ for a period of ten years, starting from date of signing of the development agreement. All Zone Enterprises shall be entitled to the following benefits: (a) Exemption from custom duties and taxes on imports of capital goods into the SEZ for installation there (b) Exemption from all taxes on income for a period of ten year starting from the date the Developer certifies that the Zone Enterprise has commenced commercial operations with the relevant SEZ. A very relevant feature is the alternative dispute resolution clause. It would be advisable to utilize the expertise available at Karachi Center for Dispute Resolution to prepare an effective mechanism for a mediation process so that the investors and developers can utilize their energies towards the success of their endeavors. Pakistan is strategically well-placed to be the ideal center for setting up industries to cater to the Middle East, Central Asian Republics, and Afghanistan markets. The country also welcomes import-substitution industries. The future benefits of the Act for Zone Enterprises would be immediate savings in taxes, duties, and other front-loading charges, a safe and secure working environment, preferential treatment of products and services (such as Reconstruction Opportunity Zones concept initiated by US Government but remains in limbo till this day), and, more importantly, accessible domestic and global markets. The various bilateral Forums, FPCCI, the Chambers and Associations, as well as Pakistani diplomats based in foreign countries must promote the SEZ Act. The Prime Minister should order the setting up of SEZ Authority and advise the provincial governments to set in motion plans to establish the Provincial SEZ Authority in their respective provinces. Hopefully, Chairman BOI must have set up the relevant infrastructure in the Board so that the foundation for implementation of the Act is firmly established. Pakistan urgently needs foreign direct investment and the Special Economic Zone Act is the Motorway on which FDI will substantially enter this country.

The Call :: Essays Papers

The Call Touching Christ Jesus’ initial call is not to believe, but to come. The disciples have no answers when they leave their families and their occupations, merely a person and a promise. Faith, therefore, is not professing a certain checklist of dogma or signing a statement (as schools like Wheaton require for entrance). As James May put so eloquently in his fall chapel talk, the person of faith, as demonstrated by the woman with hemorrhaging in Mark 5:25-34 dares to touch Christ amidst the masses swirling around him. It was in the doing that she encounters Jesus, and he responds: â€Å"Your faith has made you well.† Therefore, I agree with Stassen and Gushee, who challenge,â€Å"[T]here is not authentic Christianity, discipleship or Christian ethics apart from doing the deeds he taught his followers to do† (S&G 486). Faith does not require an action; it is an action. So how do we touch a Christ who is no longer physically present with us, especially when clouds of opinion about him swirl around us? As the disciples were asked to trust the promise that Jesus would recreate their identities as â€Å"fishers of men,† we must begin our journey of discipleship by examining what promises we have been given as God’s people. The Word of God Certainly, most Christians would agree that these are most readily found in the Bible. But as I have been challenged more recently, and as Stassen and Gushee articulate, â€Å"It is not possible in principle to set limits on where God’s truth might be discovered, and thus to place some ultimate outer boundary on the ‘sources of authority’ for Christian ethics† (S&G 90). While I think Stassen and Gushee make some bold claims about the Bible being the â€Å"sun around which all other sources of authority are to orbit† (isn’t Jesus the Son around which all authorities are brought into proper order (Philippians 2.5-11)?), they do emphasize the balance of seeing God’s Word as neither an ancient, irrelevant relic nor an answer-book for all present-day circumstances. To practice Christian ethics, then, Christianity must understand the Bible as only one means of revelation, and a means that requires constant scrutiny and guidance to understan d if we’re really hearing the fullness of God’s Word within its complex pages. Thus, Christians can understand that the promises of God are neither restricted to the Bible (where would the illiterate of the world be?

Interpersonal Communication Through URT Essay

Everyday we encounter people unknown to us. There are times when we are totally no interested in meeting and introducing ourselves to them. In certain situations we are forced or are voluntarily placing ourselves within there area of consciousness, like in a class or in our office, we disclose information about ourselves in order for a complacent relationship to transpire. This new connection will either grow or dissipate based on the disclosed information. Researchers say that interpersonal communication occurs only between two people who have known each other for quite some time (Borchers). This can be attributed to the contextual factors, such as psychological, relational and cultural, present in interpersonal discourses. The attainment of these factors signify that the two people conversing already know well of each other (King, 2000). At first, when we are asked by our late seatmate at first day of school who our professor is, or when we ask our office secretary who to call to fix a down network system, the interaction that occurs implies only an impersonal exchange between two people who ask for information because of external needs and is most likely to end that same moment. When you answer the above questions with â€Å"he’s the head of the department, we live in the same neighborhood† or â€Å"i know a little on systems troubleshooting but it isn’t my job, i’ll call one immediately,† the interaction introduces information related to the speaker and are affective to the receiver. This exchange becomes personal and may give way to a more gratifying relationship through following disclosures. These disclosures in turn reduces uncertainty, a considerably large blockage to a desirable relationship. Berger and Calabrese’ uncertainty reduction theory in 1975 presents steps on how we can achieve a fully ineractive personal relationship with other people. This theory explains why people tend to be information seekers and reduce the unpleasant effects of uncertainty in an introductory conversation and in the whole attainment of a relationship (Oregon State University). The theory discusses three stages of disclosure in interpersonal development. These stages are entry, personal, and exit (University of Twente). The interaction given above can be considered within the entry stage. By giving information on where you live or what your skills are(demographic), the receiver obtains also some point of conformity or agreement that sparks an interest for a relationship. Eventually we reveal our values, attitudes, and beliefs and we are taken now taken to the personal stage of disclosure. These somewhat â€Å"deeper† information suggest the existence of a relationship between two people. The exit stage relates to discourses on the shared values, beliefs, and attitudes which lead to actions or decisions where both interests are unified. Since interpersonal communication is based on two interrelated people’s discourses, this not specified only on verbal exchange, uncertainty reduction theory is an effective tool in determining interpersonal relationships and communications. By focusing on the information exchanged by two individuals we can predict the stage of their relationship – whether on entry, personal, or exit stage. Certainly, the information shared will not be as substantial in terms of personal relevance necessary for the attainment of interpersonal communication. Given the difficulty of initiating contact and conversation aimed at establishing a relationship, we are most likely to shy away and be frightened. If this happens, proceeding conversations are terminated. One basic method in squeezing out information from another person is to reveal your own personal information. Self-disclosure gives way to information not normally revealed through ordinary conversations. It requires an initiative to know and be known. Also, it is a way to know how the other people react and determine the topics under their interests. Furthermore, the voluntarily disclosure of personal information gives an impression of the willingness of a person in entering a relationship. In uncertainty reduction theory, self disclousre acts as the most effective way in removing the barriers of mistrust and non-complacency. By analyzing the information you reveal, one notices your values, beliefs, and emotional and moral tendecies accompanying your disclosures. These are considered to be a pattern for compatibility looked after by uncertain people. The situation above is common to almost everyone, given that the educated still dominate in number those who haven’t been to school or had work. I have experienced introducing myself to someone I am interested to. Most of the time I am replied with suspicion and mistrust which make me feel in need of proving myself. By self-disclosure I get their attention and know further what interests them and on fortunate times they react with personal disclosures too. Eventually the barrier of uncertainty dissipates and we are now getting ready for a more personal relationship. By reducing uncertainty we increase trust, thus more information is exchanged. Uncertainty reduction theory explains the systematic yet unsure disclosures toward interpersonal communication. Through complete understanding of the three concepts, uncertainty reduction, disclosure, and interpersonal communication, we can attain desirable relationships that can outlast time itself. References: Uncertainty Reduction Theory. 2006. Oregon State University. Retrieved 2 April 2008. http://oregonstate. edu/instruct/theory/ur.html King, Donnell. (2000). Four Principles of Interpersonal Communication. Pellissippi State Technical Community College. Retrieved 2 April 2008. http://www. pstcc. edu/ facstaff/dking/interpr. htm Borchers, Tim. (1999) Interpersonal Communication. Allyn & Bacon. Retrieved 2 April 2008. http://www. abacon. com/commstudies/interpersonal/interpersonal. html Uncertainty Reduction Theory. 2004. University of Twente. Retrieved 2 April 2008. http://www. tcw. utwente. nl/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20clusters/Interpersonal

Gender Inequality And Gender Equality Essay - 1540 Words

â€Å"We need to stop buying into the myth about gender equality. It isn t a reality yet. Today, women make up half of the U.S. workforce, but the average working woman earns only seventy-seven percent of what the average working man makes. But unless women and men both say this is unacceptable, things will not change† stated Grammy Award winner, Beyoncà © (Knowles-Carter 34). Although in the twenty-first century, women are still fighting for equality to simply be paid the same amount as men. The main causes of this gender inequality include education level, gender discrimination, and occupational segregation; all of which have been deemed as false, discriminatory conclusions. Contrasting incomes between genders impacts not only women, but also society, families, and individuals. One’s income should not be based off of gender, but rather women and men should have equal earnings. The wage gap refers to the undeniable differences between men and women within the labor force, which includes the percentage of employees, occupational positions, and their wages (Golden). Undeviating research indicates that women’s wages are overwhelmingly unequal in comparison to men’s. Specifically In the United States, women’s income on average is seventy-six percent of men’s income (Besen 2). A study on the adolescent labor market discovered that gender inequality in pay originates in the workforce when employees are a mere fourteen years old and continues to widen with age (Besen 4). Most criticsShow MoreRelatedGender Inequality And Gender Equality1685 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Gender inequality refers to unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender.† According to united nations population fund â€Å"gender equality is a human right. Men and Women are entitled to live with dignity and with freedom from want and fro m fear. Gender equality is also a precondition for advancing development and reducing poverty: Empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of whole families and communities, and they improve prospects for the next generation†Read MoreGender Inequality And Gender Equality1667 Words   |  7 PagesGender inequality is the state in which access to rights or opportunities is affected by gender. Gender inequality is an issue not just nationally but globally. This issue is portrayed by the mistreating of individuals, mainly women, and not valuing everyone as one. This presentation will illustrate the exploration of gender equality, propose a solution and why that solution will produce a better future for a better world. Gender inequality is a very important issue common in our world today thatRead MoreGender Equality And Gender Inequality921 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to the dictionary, the definition of gender equality is the state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender. Gender inequality is happening, where women have less control over resources, less power than males, and fewer opportunities across social, economic, and political life. Gender inequality is happening because of women’s physical difference in education, work pay and job opportunities, family and culture, religion, and government. This is due to the stereotypicalRead MoreGender Inequality And Gender Equality1725 Words   |  7 Pagesdifferent shades of green, with copious amounts of peace and tranquility. Gender equality, however, is something that seems to be left out of the typical picture of the ‘perfect society’. It is ironic that in the nation where ‘all men are creat ed equal’, there are so many restricting gender roles woven intricately into society, and from those restrictions come discriminations based solely on the gender of another human being. Gender roles have been suffocating seven billion people since the beginningsRead MoreGender Equality And Gender Inequality979 Words   |  4 Pages Throughout the past few decades, the gender inequality discourse have became a dominant feature of international, national and local policy debate on the subject of economic development. This policy concern has emerged as an area of scholarly research which seeks to show that improving gender equity leads to economic growth. Gender Inequality in Australia: According to the data published by Australian Bureau of Statistics in May 2015, the full time average earnings of women is $284.20 or 17.9%Read MoreGender Equality And Gender Inequality1255 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"You can’t do that because youre a girl†. When I was younger gender inequality would start with these certain statements that corrupted ladies and brought down their confidence into supposing they couldnt do certain things, since it was seen as a mens activity or wasnt sufficiently ladylike. Now that this is a worldwide issue our a nation has decided to pass a law were women and men are treated fairly in having equal opportunities, responsibilities and are equal regardless of their sex. ThisRead MoreGender Inequality And Gender Equality1367 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: Gender has and continues to be a contentious issue within the legal profession. Despite Anti-Discrimination legislation and diversification of the supply side, women still account for only one-fifth of Partner positions. So whilst the glass ceiling may have been shattered to an extent, the â€Å"pipeline to power remains elusive for most women†. Engagement with gender can assist in explaining this paradox. When coupled with consideration of other social classifications such as race andRead MoreGender Inequality And Gender Equality1673 Words   |  7 Pages Gender inequality Women are one-half of the world population they deserve equal opportunity as men because at the end gender equality is part of humanity progress. Many women around the world are treated less favoured than men not only in countries that have traditional gender role but even in societies that believe in equal right for both male and female. Gender inequality means unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender. It results from differences in socially constructedRead MoreGender Inequality And Gender Equality1387 Words   |  6 PagesStudies made me understand gender as a social construct used to differentiate between the sexes. Even how gender-roles played a role in women’s absence in education and the workforce, this systematic exclusion still takes place in Iran and highlights the privilege some men have over women. Even a nation as rich and powerful as the United States, equal opportunities for women are still lacking, most notably, the wage gap inequality. AAUW’s article The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap, states thatRead MoreGender Equality And Gender Inequality2137 Words   |  9 PagesHistorically, women have always been seen as the subordinate gender. Considered weaker, more emotional, and less intelligent or capable than their male counterparts, women have been trying for decades to overcome adversity and get to a point where they can be taken seriously in a patriarchal world. Though progress has been made, there is still a long way to go until true gender equality is established. In America today, women are still predominantly seen in professions that have been traditionally